Things to Do in Palm City

Every day, Cynthia, manager of Jupiter Pointe Paddling, opens her hibiscus-adorned rental hut to let adventure seekers set sail from the sandy banks of a crescent-shaped private beach. A complimentary lesson accompanies every kayak or paddleboard rental, letting beginners get their bearings before they glide toward a nearby sandbar to spot sea turtles, manatees, and majestic stingrays. More experienced water skimmers can paddle up to the Jupiter Lighthouse, which grants a glimpse of 120 palm-studded acres punctuated by 25 special-status species of wildlife and one boring labrador. The staff of water warriors also mixes up the aqueous activities with Mommy and Me sessions, standup-paddleboard-yoga classes, and kids' lessons, along with exalting the outdoors with full-moon celebrations and sealife-spotting tours.

The walls of their studio brim with paintings from their classes, ranging from sunlit beach scenes to bolder, more abstract compositions. Specialty classes reach beyond the canvas to adorn household ornaments such as wine glasses, candleholders, and boring old family tintypes.

The pro instructors at Jupiter Equestrian Center welcome every opportunity to blend their two passions: horseback riding and the gorgeous scenery of the gated Ranch Colony community. Along the facility’s 20-acre expanse, equestrians demonstrate horseback-riding and handling skills through lessons, trail rides, camps, and competitive shows. During lessons, riders master basics such as grooming and trotting or more complicated skills such as leaps and elective hoof surgery. At day camp, kids ride horses for part of the day and spend the remaining hours with an array crafts, games, hikes, and time aboard boats or in pools. Guides from the center's sister program, Sandi Trails, captain adventures into nearby wilderness on trail rides, some venturing into the sun-drenched depths of state park forests. Birthday parties stay on site, unleashing revelers and school-aged horses in a petting zoo or picnic area.

Mandalay Island Charters' Captain Jeremy Neff uses fishing trips as a tool to share his passion for local areas, waterways, and fish. Inside an 18.5-foot Maverick Master Angler, Captain Neff and his passengers travel through local river systems and into the Atlantic Ocean, passing by sandbars and schools of deep-fried popcorn shrimp. Adept at fly, light tackle, and heavy tackle, the captain helps fishers reel in inshore and offshore species such as barracuda and tarpon. He also leads scenic walks down Martin County's beaches, pausing to cast lines for snook and other fish.

Outside of fishing, Captain Neff aims to foster appreciation for Suart's natural beauty. He points out marine life such as matinees and dolphins, or pilots boats toward views of breathtaking sunsets. Additionally, he maintains a fleet of kayaks for laid-back trips down waterways and candy factories' chocolate rivers.

A lifelong resident of West Palm Beach, Marissa first spotted a paddleboard while thumbing through the glossy pages of a magazine. Intrigued, she scouted her hometown to sign up for a lesson and enjoyed her first experience with the sport so much that she bought her first board the next day. Not long after, Marissa launched South Florida Paddle LLC, a mobile standup paddleboard rental and tour company. Meeting up with clients at designated spots between Lake Worth Beach and Jupiter Island, Marissa leads excursions that range from shoreline ventures through ocean waves to calm glides along intracoastal waterways. Depending on the time of year, eco tours bring paddlers up close to an array of wildlife, such as manatees, spotted eagle rays, or starfish. For independent explorers, Marissa rents Cruiser ACS standup paddleboards for daytime adventures, as well as sunrise, sunset, and full-moon paddles for renters looking to hide their werewolf paws from family and friends.